News - April 2024 RSS Feed

Hundreds of daffodils brighten the lawn of St. Lucy Church, in Middletown, ....

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - GREENVILLE — “Every man needs Christian fellowship, not just good friends, but good Christian friends,” Don Turbitt, founding member of Men of St. Joseph International, strongly emphasized. “That’s what’s going to change their lives for the better.” (PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN OLIBRI)

Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response.

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - MIDDLETOWN — One of the aims of Catholic education is to foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. This is no more on display than at All Saints Academy in Middletown. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

From Bishop Henning: "Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response..."

Inner city priest who models his life on the example of Jesus prepares to shepherd his flock in Maine

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor - PROVIDENCE — The Cathedral of SS. Peter and Peter Paul was overflowing with more than 1,000 faithful participating in a bilingual, Farewell Mass for Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri on April 11, with Bishop Richard G. Henning as the principal celebrant and homilist. (PHOTO: LAURA KILGUS)

Last week, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul was packed to overflowing for a Mass of Thanksgiving and farewell with Bishop-elect James Ruggieri. At the reception after the Mass, people waited upwards of two hours to greet him personally. It was a truly beautiful evening of prayer and fellowship and I am so grateful to the many volunteers and diocesan staff who worked to make the gathering possible. Of course, I am grateful for the Bishop-elect....

By Laura Kilgus, Associate Editor - PROVIDENCE — Boxes of tissues were passed around the St. Patrick Academy auditorium at the end of the school day as students, faculty and alumni offered their tearful thanks and emotional goodbyes to Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri. Soon, he will make the move from Providence to Portland for his ordination as bishop, and he will do so with the spiritual support and love of this dedicated school family that he helped to nurture. (PHOTO: LAURA KILGUS)

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - Most Catholics will never know what those at the Vatican look for in a future bishop, but for some, the virtues demonstrated by some priests make it clear that they were destined for a miter and crosier. Father James T. Ruggieri exemplifies many of the qualities that turn a good priest into a bishop. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUGGIERI FAMILY)

Everyone needs a role model. Having had the privilege of living and serving with Bishop-elect Ruggieri for almost four years while co-ministering to the parishioners of St. Patrick and St. Michael parishes, having been a seminarian at St. Patrick before that and having watched him closely during most of my adult life has granted me a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most dedicated, hardworking, commonly uncommon, beautiful and simple priests I know.

By RICK SNIZEK, Executive Editor - PROVIDENCE — Last month, a client named “Joanne” called the Diocese of Providence’s Keep the Heat On program for help in getting some oil delivered to heat her home after moving from Pawtucket to Providence.

The Little Sisters of the Poor of Pawtucket held their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Old Grist Mill Tavern on Monday, March 18. More than 1,000 supporters enjoyed a meal of corned beef and cabbage and purchased more than 2,000 scones baked with love by the Little Sisters. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR)

Parishes from every corner in our nation will gather at the feet of Jesus, boldly anticipating a new Pentecost at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Your life—and our Church—will never be the same! Travel with us!

Amid turmoil and trials, pain and suffering, war and violence, poverty and disease, our world needs a reminder of the hope of the Resurrection, which we just celebrated with exultant joy this Easter. This is especially true during April, which is child abuse prevention month. There’s no avoiding the painful reality that reports about child sex abuse within schools, families, and churches are reminders of past failures to protect young people. They are occasions of great pain and suffering that call for justice and healing.

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - NARRAGANSETT — During Mass in the Easter Season, it is not uncommon to read passages from Acts of the Apostles, which describe the ministry of the early Church. Such readings often emphasize how the joy of the Resurrection of Our Lord leads to a renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel no matter where it leads us. (Photo: Cole DeSantis)

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence and in the wider Church. You may already be familiar with some or all of what I will say, but the importance of this topic bears repeating, and I invite your response and active participation as the People of God.

We currently have seven men making their way through formation in the Diocese of Providence. God willing, they will be ordained in 2026. They will join more than 60 men actively engaged in diaconal ministry in the Diocese of Providence. If you are feeling this desire, God may be calling you to find out more about the Permanent Diaconate! Click for more information about the Diaconate, details about the newly announced Permanent Deacon Formation Program, as well as registering for the upcoming May/June Informational Sessions

By Emily Grant, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PAWTUCKET — On Thursday, April 4, students and families at Saint Teresa School in Pawtucket gathered for the school’s annual International Night. Organized by the International Club, the evening highlighted various countries chosen by the students who worked to create detailed informational displays, serve their favorite cultural foods and share the knowledge they learned about their chosen countries with visitors. (photo: Emily Grant)

All are invited to a bilingual Votive Mass of Saints Peter and Paul, in thanksgiving to Almighty God and promise of prayer for Bishop-elect James T. Ruggieri on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., Celebrant and Homilist. All are welcome. Parking supervised by security. Can't join us in the Cathedral? Watch the live stream of this special Mass at https://www.youtube.com/c/DioceseofProvidenceRI